The Islington Gazette and its sister papers the Ham & High and Tottenham Independent are supporting the Whittington Health Charity with a major fundraising appeal to create a safe and peaceful garden for some of Whittington Hospital's most vulnerable patients.
The Whittington Hospital Courtyard Garden Appeal will help turn a tired, unused space into a calm, green haven.
The garden is designed for people living with dementia, intensive care patients who may spend weeks in hospital, and those receiving palliative care at the end of their lives.
A computer-generated image of the design for the Whittington Hospital Courtyard Garden (Image: Whittington Health Charity)
People living with dementia can become anxious or unsettled after long periods indoors, and hospital wards can feel cramped, confusing, and uncomfortable.
Tess Alombro, a specialist nurse supporting patients with dementia at the Whit for nearly 30 years, said: "It will be a place for quiet reflection, gentle conversation, and moments of joy.
"Long stays in hospital can be very hard. Patients can feel shut away. Time outdoors and in nature is precious when you are in hospital, especially for those who need a lot of care or are near the end of their lives.
"A safe garden will give them fresh air, sunlight, and a chance to be with loved ones in comfort and calm. I know in my heart that this will mean the world to patients and their families."
For patients coming to the end of their life, the garden will offer privacy, dignity, and space to share precious time with friends and family.
It will be open to all patients who might benefit from a quiet outdoor space.
Dr Rebecca Sullivan, consultant and dementia care lead at the hospital, said: "The vision is to create a space where patients can feel safe and valued. Somewhere they can sit with a cup of tea, smell the flowers, and just be themselves."
Winnie, a woman in her eighties with dementia, gave Tess and Rebecca the idea for a garden.
She was admitted to one of the hospital's Care of Older People wards following a fall.
On one occasion, Winnie became particularly agitated and upset. In desperation, a specialist dementia nurse took Winnie outside in a wheelchair.
As she was wheeling her slowly along the pavement, Winnie spotted a solitary rose bush, and reached out to pick a rose.
Winnie took time to feel the petals and smell the flower. Almost immediately, Winnie became calmer. For the first time since her admission, she smiled.
Back on the ward, Winnie's behaviour was markedly changed. Her short visit outside highlighted just how transformational a purpose-built garden could be.
A computer-generated image of the design for the Whittington Hospital Courtyard Garden (Image: Whittington Health Charity)
The charity wants to fill the garden with plants and flowers, comfortable seating and shaded areas for summer, and make it easy for patients in wheelchairs or hospital beds to move around.
There will be places to sit quietly, and places where people can chat, laugh, or take part in a group activity.
Thanks to a generous donation from The Pears Foundation, the Courtyard Garden Appeal is well on its way to reaching its £500,000 target. With luck, work on the garden will start in early 2026.
Sam Lister, head of the Whittington Health Charity, says: "We are so excited about the idea of this garden - but we now want to make our dream a reality.
"We need to raise another £100,000 to ensure this garden brings seasonal colour and safe outdoor access for our most vulnerable patients all through the year.
"We know how generous the people of North London can be and I'm sure that together we can bring this garden to life!"
Gazette editor Simon Murfitt said: "We're calling on local schools, community groups, and businesses to raise money for the Garden Appeal this Christmas.
"There are loads of ways to get involved from making a direct donation to organising a festive fundraising event.
"We'd like local businesses to help too, either through donations or by sponsoring part of the garden. We're ready to help promote your efforts so if you're planning something special, let us know and we'll spread the word.
"This is about kindness, community, and dignity. The aim of our campaign is to create a garden that will make the people of Islington's hardest days a little easier. It will only be possible with the support of our community."
Donations can also be made directly through the Whittington Health Charity's website www.WhittingtonHealthCharity.org/courtyard-garden-project.
Contact the Whittington Health charity for more fundraising ideas by calling 0207 288 3402 or emailing fundraising.whitthealth@nhs.net.